Origin
The Beaucarnea, also known as the Elephant's Foot or Bottle Palm, has its origins in Central America, specifically Mexico and parts of Guatemala. This desert plant thrives best in dry, rocky areas and in the past has been used for construction and firewood because of its hardiness.

Characteristics
The Beaucarnea is distinguished by its characteristic trunk in the shape of a bottle or elephant's foot topped with a cluster of long, slender leaves. The leaves are bright green and form a sort of 'feathered crown' at the top of the plant. It is a slow-growing plant, but under ideal conditions it can reach a height of 2.5 metres.

Care
The Beaucarnea requires little water, making it ideal for those without a green thumb. The plant does need plenty of light, but direct sunlight is best avoided. It is recommended to fully dry out the soil between watering to prevent root rot. As this plant naturally grows in dry areas, it fares better in a well-draining soil. Extra care should be taken not to damage the roots when repotting.